Troubleshoot the NFC
If you are having issues using the NFC on your Fairphone, make sure to read the article NFC transmission chip. There you'll find instructions on how to turn on and use the NFC chip on your Fairphone.
If you are still having issues after going through the article, proceed with the next steps.
Update
Make sure that your phone is up to date.
If you are not running the latest software, or you are not sure, update your Fairphone to the latest Fairphone OS.
For the other device, if applicable, check the manufacturer's website or contact their customer support.
NFC doesn't work at all
Usually, when you hold the back of your phone close to an NFC reader, the phone will vibrate to let you know that the NFC chip transferred some data with the other device. Here's what to check when the NFC doesn't react at all.
Does this happen only with one device?
If your contactless payments in the same shop/chain fail often, or there's just this on pair of headphone you can't pair via NFC, the issue is most likely with the other device. It might be just a compatibility issue, but it's also possible that the other device has a defect or its software is out of date.
Make sure the two NFC chips are close by
Because the chips are usually hidden within devices, changing the position of the devices can help. NFC chips don't have a big range, so if you hold the wrong side of the phone near the other device, it won't work.
If you're using a case for your phone, take it off and try again
Sometimes cases can be in the way, as they make the phone bulkier and are another layer of material that the radio waves will need to pass through between the two chips.
Make sure you have the correct software and it's set-up correctly
Some NFC functions only work when you have additional software installed. For example, for contactless payments, you need to install a payment app that supports this. This can be Google Wallet (previously Google Pay) or your bank's app.
Make sure to update the app and that a compatible card is set up for contactless payments.
Some types of cards and banks don't support contactless payments through smartphones. If you're unsure whether your bank/card will work, contact your bank.
Run hardware test
The Fairphones have integrated hardware tests, which will help you see if the hardware is working correctly. Select your model below to see the instructions on how to test the NFC on your phone.
- Open the Phone app.
- Dial *#*#2886#*#* in the same way you enter a phone number to make a phone call. Once the last character is introduced, the Service Menu appears.
- Select Manu.
- Select NFC. Test with another phone, NFC-enabled device or contactless card (e.g. credit/debit card, public transport card).
- If the phone vibrates and shows NFC: Detected, tap on PASS, otherwise tap on FAIL.
- Open the Phone app.
- Dial *#*#2886#*#* in the same way you enter a phone number to make a phone call. Once the last character is introduced, the Service Menu appears.
- Select Manu.
- Select NFC. Test with another phone, NFC-enabled device or contactless card (e.g. credit/debit card, public transport card).
- If the phone vibrates and shows NFC: Detected, tap on PASS, otherwise tap on FAIL.
- Open the Phone app.
- Dial *#*#66#*#* in the same way you are entering a phone number to make a phone call. Once the last character is introduced, the Service Menu appears.
- Select Service tests > Test Single.
- Select NFC Reader Mode. Test with another phone, NFC-enabled device or contactless card (e.g. credit/debit card, public transport card).
- The phone should vibrate and show NFC Card Reader Test Pass. Press Back and tap on PASS or FAIL, depending on the result.
If the test fails, contact our Customer Support and we'll help you out with the repair process.
Test in Safe mode
It's possible that an app you've installed is causing an issue in the background and blocking the NFC functionality. Testing in Safe mode will let you confirm this.
NFC reacts, but shows errors
If you're seeing an error message when using the NFC, read it carefully. It might include instructions on what to do next.
If an error message text is vague or hard to follow, you can also contact our Customer Support and we'll help you further.
If after reading the article you need more help, contact our Customer Support.